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The Best PC Builds for Gaming/VR

2024 Recommended Parts for New Custom PC Builds (Maximize Bang for Buck)

Last Updated: August 1, 2024

In this latest update to the best PC builds for gaming series, we'll take a look at some of the best value PC component combinations on the market right now for anyone planning to build the best value computer this month for PC gaming or VR gaming. Many of the example PC builds in this guide also double up as excellent workstation builds, whether you're doing game streaming (Twitch/YouTube), video editing, 3D design, game development, AI, or any other demanding tasks.

Choosing the right parts for a new gaming PC build can be confusing and perhaps a little overwhelming, as PC hardware is a vast sea of endless choice and near limitless configuration possibilities, with new component models releasing all the time. Plus, not all parts are equal in terms of value, with certain components (and more specifically certain combinations of components) making for much smarter purchases than others when it comes to getting the best performance and reliability for your money.

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The Best PC Builds (Updated for August 2024)

Please note:

• Any prices mentioned are in USD (US Dollars) and are only estimates as hardware prices fluctuate often.

• For simplicity, builds only include the core parts that make up the tower, so remember to also factor in the cost of Windows (explained later) and accessories (monitor, VR headset, keyboard, mouse, headphones, speakers, router, surge protector etc).

• Recommendations are my personal opinion, so I encourage you to do your own research to make sure you choose the right parts for your specific needs. But I do strive to be as objective as possible in terms of continually considering as many different models and brands as I can in order to make these builds the best bang for buck they can be.

• If new to PC hardware, see the hardware guides to learn more about the parts (CPU, Motherboard, GPU, SSD, Case, PSU).

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Software, Accessories, & Installation

Recommended Operating System

When planning the best PC build for gaming, choosing an operating system basically comes down to either Microsoft Windows or some variant of Linux (such as Ubuntu or Manjaro just to name a couple).

If you're new or unsure, just stick to Windows. While Linux is free and can offer more control and security features, it's a more advanced OS that takes a while to learn and get used to, and it also has less support for gaming compared to Windows (see the Linux PC build guide for more).

To get Windows 10 or Windows 11 for your new gaming PC build (either is fine but you might as well get 11 these days), you have 3 options:

1) Download Windows Onto a USB Drive (For Free), Then Buy/Activate Later

This is the cheapest way to get Windows 10 or 11 up and running on your new PC build as you don't have to buy a Windows license/key straight away. You can do this for free and then buy a key later when you have perhaps saved up more money, and until then your PC will still be 100% functional without limitation. The only downside is you'll see a watermark image in the bottom right of your screen reminding you to upgrade. All you need is an empty USB flash drive that's 8GB or bigger (like this) and access to another desktop/laptop to use to download Windows onto the USB.

Here's how you do it: follow the steps in how to create a bootable USB using another PC or laptop. Then, when you've finished installing all your PC parts follow all the steps in the guide on what to do after building a PC (and insert the USB drive you created when it's time to install Windows). Then in your own time, buy a product key from the Microsoft Store or from Amazon (or elsewhere, but make sure it's a legit key you're buying).

2) Buy Windows Physical Copy (USB or DVD)

Instead of downloading Windows onto a USB drive explained above, you could just buy the official USB or DVD version either online or in a physical store. You simply insert the USB or DVD when you've finished building your PC and it's time to install Windows.

The DVD version (available at Amazon) is usually cheaper than the USB flash drive version, so get that if you're including a DVD drive for your PC build (and don't forget to ensure your case has a 5.25" drive bay as not all do). But if you're not including a DVD drive in your PC build (which will actually be most people these days since physical media is fast becoming irrelevant), get the USB version (also available at Amazon).

Consider the Pro version instead of Home if you're building a hybrid gaming and workstation PC for professional use if you need its advanced features like BitLocker, remote desktop, and domain join. If you don't know whether you need Windows Pro or Home, chances are you're not going to benefit from Pro, so just stick with Home to save money.


3) Reuse Your Previous Copy of Windows

If you already have Windows on another PC and it's a full retail version that's eligible to be reused on another system, this is the way. See our reusing PC parts guide for more details on this, but I can pretty safely say that if your previous PC was a prebuilt one (and not a custom built one by either you or someone else), then chances are you won't be able to reuse Windows as it's likely tied to that single machine.

Other Software for New PC Builds

You don't want to immediately bloat your fresh new PC build with a ton of software, but there are some key programs that will make your gaming PC more secure, useful, and/or fun. I'm talking anti-virus and malware software (crucial if you use your PC for important work), hardware monitoring and benchmarking programs to check GPU temperatures, CPU temperatures, show FPS on-screen when gaming to see how your build is performing, stress-test your CPU and GPU, and so on. Plus, VPN software if you want to further secure your PC when online.

For vetted recommendations for all of these things and more (including the best places to actually buy PC games), see our continually updated list of recommended applications for gaming/workstation PCs:

• Best Software for a New Gaming PC Build (Top Picks)

Recommended PC Gaming Accessories

If you want recommendations for accessories, see the following guides:

• Choosing the Best Surge Protector for PC (to protect your system against power surges)

• Recommended Gaming Monitors (all resolutions)

• Recommended PC VR Headsets (the new frontier of gaming)

• Recommended PC Gaming Speakers (2.1, 5.1, and RGB style)

• Recommended Headphones for PC Gaming (higher quality sound than headsets)

Recommended Wireless Setups

Last but not least, if you choose a motherboard that doesn't have built-in wireless, you can still get wireless functionality (for WiFi) by buying a wireless adapter. These come in either USB or PCIe models; the latter is usually best for signal strength and range, but make sure you have a spare PCIe slot on your motherboard to accommodate it (most boards will) and that your graphics card doesn't cover that extra slot (if it's a huge GPU with a smaller board for instance).

You'll also want a good router if you'll be gaming online via wireless, especially if you'll be using an Oculus Quest 2 for wireless PC VR via AirLink/Virtual Desktop. Just remember wired Ethernet is best for online gaming so your best bet for the fastest, most secure online gaming sessions is to just plug your PC straight into your router or modem using an Ethernet cable (if you don't have a cable you can buy one for cheap almost anywhere).

• Recommended Wireless Desktop Adapters (PCIe cards or USB dongles)

• Recommended Gaming Routers (if you already have a modem)

• Recommended Modem Routers (if you need a modem too; see the difference between modems and routers)

Building Your Gaming Computer

Required Tools:

• Phillips-head screwdriver size #2 (medium head) like this or this. Ones with a magnetic tip such as these ones are handy to avoid dropping screws into the deep dark depths of your case.


• Phillips-head screwdriver size #1 (small head) like this, this - but only if installing a M.2 SSD as the screw used to secure M.2 drives to the motherboard are smaller than all other computer screws.

Optional Tools:

• Anti-static wrist strap like this one or this one if you want to be extra safe (but you can instead simply periodically touch a metal object before handling components).


• Flashlight or directional lamp to see inside your case better if your room lighting is poor, which may come in handy when trying to connect cables to the motherboard (or just use your phone's flashlight).


• Cable/zip ties and scissors (however most cases comes with zip ties already).


• Full PC toolkit if you want to get fancy and be prepared for anything both now and in future (see recommendations in our computer tools guide). Or just get a basic screwdriver kit to save money as most builds don't need anything other than screwdrivers.

For your first gaming PC build, you will need a full walkthrough/tutorial to follow; manuals that come with hardware components don't contain detailed instructions or explanations that you probably need as a beginner (though don't throw them out as you will need to refer to them during installation; especially the motherboard and case manuals). To learn how to put together your first PC, it boils down to either following a written or video tutorial:

Option A: Written Tutorial (Most Detail)

Our complete photo guide to assemble a PC was carefully crafted with complete beginners in mind and includes all the little important details you need to know as a first-timer, including photos from multiple builds (one Intel, one AMD), along with diagrams throughout to help illustrate certain steps. Our tutorial has been fine-tuned over multiple years to be as easy to follow (yet detailed) as possible so that no noob gets left behind - even if you're a complete beginner who's never seen the inside of a PC before.

Option B: Video Tutorial (Quicker)

Linus's POV build guide. While a YouTube video doesn't provide as much in-depth guidance and instruction as a written guide, and generally moves through the steps quite quickly while missing certain little details that could be important to understand as a beginner, in conjunction with using other guides it may be enough for you to build your first PC (especially if you're a little more tech savvy and understand the basics of computers).

Reminder: No matter how you learn to build your PC, don't forget to manually change your RAM speed in your motherboard BIOS after building your computer. All DDR4 and DDR5 modules are automatically set to their base frequency (eg 2133MHz or 2400MHz for DDR4 sticks).

Scared to Build Your Own PC?

If it's your first time building a gaming PC, don't stress as it really isn't anything to be overwhelmed by if you take your time and follow safety precautions. If you're afraid because you perhaps don't consider yourself tech-savvy, transform that fear into excitement because it's actually quite hard to go too wrong assuming you take it slow one step at a time, and if you get stuck, everything is "figureoutable" with a few internet searches or posting in a helpful community like r/BuildAPC.

If you've heard the saying that building a PC is like adult Lego, that's not much of an exaggeration, as it really is just a matter of plugging things in, connecting things, screwing a few things in here or there, tidying and tying cables, and so on. Sure - building a PC takes a little patience, and your first go will likely span a good few hours minimum (sometimes a whole day), but it's well worth it to not only get the fastest gaming PC for your money but to become way more self-sufficient and prepared to handle upgrades, to troubleshoot and overcome potential problems in future, and to reap all the other benefits of building your own PC.

No Time to Build a PC?

No hard feelings, friend. Buying a premade desktop isn't the end of the world if you don't mind paying a bit more for the convenience of having a pre-assembled system that's ready to go, and if you don't mind the various downsides to prebuilt PCs such as companies typically using cheaper parts.

If going this route, make sure to do your homework to find a respectable model from a reputable company that's not a complete rip off - surprisingly hard to do once you've opened your eyes and gained a little knowledge about building PCs, but definitely possible. If you want my opinion, see the best prebuilt gaming PCs article for hand-picked, vetted recommendations for desktops that won't blow up within the week (and see the best refurbished gaming PCs if you're on a tight budget). Whatever path you take, I wish you luck.

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FAQ

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